As one of the most recognizable faces in the world of soap operas, Gregory Zarian continues to captivate audiences with his performance on Venice: The Series, a groundbreaking digital drama that has garnered widespread acclaim for its authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships. Returning for the highly anticipated Season 7 of Venice, Zarian shares with us his thoughts on the evolution of his character, Nate, the deep connections he has built with his castmates, and his passion for advocacy in the LGBTQ+ community.
Returning to Venice: The Series for Season 7
Having been part of the Venice family for several seasons, Zarian feels a deep sense of gratitude for the series’ loyal fanbase. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of the show, and for Zarian, it’s a feeling of coming back to something special.
“The fans of Venice: The Series are incredible. They’ve waited so patiently for us to return, showing such loyalty,” Zarian says. “It’s a love story about life and everything that unfolds when you love someone. It’s something everyone can relate to, and that’s what makes it so unique.”
As Nate, Zarian’s character has continued to evolve over the seasons, and Season 7 is no exception. “As for what fans can expect from Nate… he’s still that sweet, charismatic, slightly nerdy guy, but he’s grown. He’s ready to take more control of his life and step into a new chapter,” Zarian explains.
Nate’s Growth and the Return of Familiar Faces
This season of Venice not only brings back many beloved characters, but it also introduces new faces that inject fresh energy into the show. Zarian notes that fans have been very vocal about who they want to see more of, which has only made the show’s cast and crew even more invested in delivering what fans crave.
“We have incredibly loyal fans who’ve shared with us who they’d love to see again and who they’d like to see more of,” he says. “The addition of new characters always brings a fresh energy to the show. For Nate, his character evolves by finding his voice and speaking up for himself more.”
The Heartwarming Chemistry Between Nate and Jamie
One of the standout relationships on the show is the bond between Nate and Jamie, played by Harrison Killian-White. Zarian describes his connection with Killian-White as something very special, both professionally and personally.
“Harrison, oh, how I adore him,” Zarian shares. “We hadn’t met before this season, but from the moment he said ‘hello,’ he won me over. Truly, one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. As an actor, he’s incredibly generous, and we really hit it off.”
Zarian describes the chemistry between their characters as “undeniable,” and the relationship between Nate and Jamie evolves in Season 7, with fans eagerly wondering whether their bond will develop into something more than just friendship.
“Our chemistry is undeniable, whether as friends or something more,” Zarian says. “We were fearless together, saying ‘YES’ to everything. I love him.”
Crystal Chappel, Jessica Leccia, Gregory Zarian, Harrison White for ‘Venice: The Series.’
The Complexities of Nate’s Storyline
Throughout the series, Nate has navigated heavy emotional themes, including his desire to have a family and confront the fears tied to his past. Zarian explains how he prepares for such complex roles, involving vulnerability and hope, by tapping into the magic of the “IF” — imagining how he would react if he were in Nate’s shoes.
“I close my eyes and free fall. As an actor, I believe in the magical ‘IF’ — if this were happening to me, and I take it from there,” Zarian says. “Nate was bullied and emotionally tortured, and other than his twin, Nick, he doesn’t trust easily. He’s cautious until he knows there is safety. That vulnerability is a huge part of who Nate is.”
Playing Two Distinct Characters
Zarian has had the unique challenge of playing both Nate and his twin brother, Nick, a role he took on in earlier seasons. Despite the shared history between the two characters, Zarian approaches each role by focusing on the subtle differences that make them distinct individuals.
“I’m an identical twin in real life, with my twin brother Lawrence,” Zarian explains. “I realized that while we are so much alike, we’re also very different. That’s how I approached these characters. Nate is a bit more insecure than Nick. He’s also a lot more carefree in other aspects, which mirrors the dynamic between Lawrence and myself.”
Representing LGBTQ+ Love and Relationships
Venice: The Series has been praised for its authentic and sensitive portrayal of LGBTQ+ love and relationships. Zarian, who has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, speaks to the importance of representation in media and what it means to be a part of a series that champions these stories.
“Love is love. Period,” Zarian says, firmly. “There’s so much talk about who we should love, but the truth is, it’s nobody’s business but our own. Just love who you love. Be kind, be open, and be willing to celebrate our differences.”
Zarian continues, “I’m beyond proud to be a part of this beautiful love story. I hope our show inspires people to realize that, at the end of the day, we all just want to love one another, share with each other, grow, learn, and become better versions of ourselves.”
An Emmy-Nominated Performance
In 2020, Zarian was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for his performance as Nate, a recognition that has had a profound impact on his career. Reflecting on this milestone, Zarian acknowledges the honor of being nominated for such a prestigious award.
“Receiving a Daytime Emmy nomination for Venice: The Series as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Digital Drama for my role as Nate is one of the proudest moments of my career,” he shares. “It allowed me to become an advocate for free2luv.org, an anti-bullying organization, which celebrates individuality, self-acceptance, and love.”
Advocacy Beyond the Screen
Zarian is also deeply involved in advocacy work for anti-bullying and LGBTQ+ rights, supporting organizations like The Trevor Project and Free2Luv. His passion for these causes is evident in his work, both on and off-screen.
“Many people who try to get sober don’t make it. Less than one-third of those who attempt to stay sober succeed,” Zarian says, sharing his personal journey with sobriety, which spans over 19 years. “I wouldn’t be here if I weren’t sober. My sobriety influences my work, both on and off the screen, by being of service to others. I believe that we are at our most humble when we’re helping those around us.”
Zarian has also used his platform to speak out against cyberbullying and share messages of self-acceptance, especially for those who are struggling with their identity or sexuality. His personal commitment to helping others is deeply intertwined with his career choices and his advocacy work.
Looking to the Future
As for what’s next, Zarian has a busy year ahead, with a guest-starring role on ABC’s The Rookie and two upcoming films, Martinez, Margaritas, and Murder and Here We Are. He also expresses excitement about the potential for future roles that challenge him as an actor.
“I would love to do a story arc on Grey’s Anatomy! That would be amazing,” Zarian says. “I’m also eager to work with Lindsay Wagner, The Bionic Woman. She was my crush when I was a teenager!”
Zarian’s commitment to his craft and his advocacy work ensures that his influence extends far beyond the screen. His dedication to telling authentic, meaningful stories about love, self-acceptance, and overcoming adversity makes him a standout figure in both the entertainment industry and the larger conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ rights.
As Venice: The Series continues to evolve, Zarian’s portrayal of Nate remains a cornerstone of the show, capturing the hearts of viewers and providing an inspiring example of what it means to embrace love in all its forms.
